New To Me! Monitor Washer

[launderess]

Picked up this cute little Monitor table top washer for a few bucks. It was the box that got me really, as didn't really need a something to wash my dainties.

Anyway here I am with the thing, and sadly motor won't turn. It hums, but neither bended knee nor money will get it to move impeller about.

Took cover off to see what there was, and belt is still where it should be. Has a spot from sitting for so long, but that's not causing issue of not moving. Taking belt off and turning wheels by hand produced nothing.

Am of mind something has sized up motor, or bearings are shot.

Thoughts?

Oh and the old cord is cracking, dry and crusty something awful. It will have to go, but not sure how that is going to work.

Besides not being grounded the thing is suffering from rigor mortis from being cramped in box for who knows how many years.

 

[launderess]

Stand Down!

Lauunderess-1

Monitor Washer - 0

Calling upon one's knowledge of sewing machines recall when motor hums but no movement, it could be something is binding motor.

Took think apart and now that's sorted. Plugged washer in and pulley moves a treat. Reattached belt and everything is good to go. Think one deserves wee drink for one's efforts. Happily mine's a G&T and bought lemons and limes at market yesterday.

Will now need to sort out the abysmal power cord. Getting motor off/out of machine is rather simple, but until have new cord and an idea of what one is getting into will put that aside for now. Machine is hardly going to be a daily driver.

Bought a job lot of Scotch Self-Fusing silicone rubber electrical tape a while ago. Will cover obvious damage with that and just take great care not to handle cord too much.

These table top units never offered a pump much less drain. One must tip thing over like a bucket to get rid of water. Now you'll understand why am so worried about that power cord.

Consulted my 1954 copy of Consumers Report buying guide and they rated Monitor highest of table top washing machines on offer. Obviously these "diaper washers" never could cope with a family wash, but for dainties, several nappies, one shirt or other quite small loads they're fine.

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

Oh wow

That’s kind of adorable, I’d love to see more photos

 

[qsd-dan]

What a tease...

All this chattering and no money shot? You know better than that...

Sounds like an interesting washer. May want to inject some turbine oil into the motor bearings....and other areas.

 

[launderess]

Impatient lot aren't we? *LOL*

Am just that tired from washing, polishing and putting this washer back together.

Consumer Reports dinged this Monitor washer for not having either a drain nor pump, and one agrees. Unit is heavy enough empty, but when filled with water isn't exactly light. Suppose if one used it on a kitchen or other counter near a sink could just tip the thing over, but having to carry it about certainly would be a chore.

Thought about adding a bit of Zoom Sprout oil before buckling everything back up, but since didn't totally remove motor really only had access to tiny front bit that meets impeller. Like modern fans Monitor touted their washers were "permanently lubricated". Cannot see a housewife taking this thing apart to find port holes for oiling, nor were any signs indicating such visible on cover over motor. [this post was last edited: 8/27/2022-05:17]

 

[launderess]

After cleaning up a bit...

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

Goddamn that looks sexy

I would genuinely love to get my hands on that

 

[launderess]

Monitor washers were based upon a Hoover UK design.

 

[launderess]

From archives

Post# 36332-3/4/2004-21:34 ||| westytoploader (Texas)
SUBJECT: Photos up and running; The Kenmore Jr. Story
MESSAGE: Hi everyone,

My appliance photos are up & running--finally. After a week-long screen-name fiasco (and endless calls to SBC Tech Support), I am active on Yahoo and SBC DSL again...which is another story.

I posted pics of some washers that I currently have (haven't taken any of the Kenmore Jr. yet but I will soon), including the interesting 1934 Monitor Tabletop Washer. It is a fantastic little machine that cleans amazingly for its relatively small size and capacity, and the way the propeller wash action tumbles the clothes is something you have to see to believe. Too bad I don't have the matching wringer. I had its simple drive mechanism (probably too simple to call a "transmission", but then again, the Philco Automagic's transmission is simple too...) apart, cleaned, greased, and reassembled again within 45 minutes.

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

Wow, if you end up picking up another one

I’d Love to get my grubby little hands on it

 

[launderess]

WestyTopLoader (sadly no longer with us) left lots of information in archives about Monitor washers. This includes rare (news to me) tabletop model.

Westy hosted a wash-in many years ago at his new laundry studio. You can see his Monitor tabletop unit off to side on shelf in some pictures.

Texas Wash-In Day 2--Bellville

First, Bob gets on the floor to watch the GE Combo, just like he says he did in front of the Bendix!

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[combo52]

Monitor washer

Very cool, was this new in the box or just re-boxed after use?

About 20 years ago several people had one of these, Bob of Hollywood had one and in Gary in Minneapolis still has one I’m sure, got to play with them. Pretty well-built little machine.

Somehow semi automatics and wringer washers never got much use around me I guess I’d rather be a spectator than a participant in the laundry process, lol

Glad you found a new toy.

John L

 

[launderess]

Thanks for well wishes everyone.

If one did YT would post a video of maiden wash, but alas next to FB one has managed thus far not to join.

On another note apparently this little table washer like others of the time came with a wringer. Alas it's no where to be seen in box or with sale, so guess original owner didn't bother.

Just as well really, prefer the European method of pairing these small washers with mini-spin driers.

Monitor carried a rather extensive range of laundry and other appliances. There was small drying cabinet (also an idea borrowed from Europe) which is rarely seen.

https://www.automatice.org/cgi-bin/index.cgi?showdoc~799~~

 

[vacbear58]

Monitor washers were based on a UK Hoover Design

I tremble to contradict you Laundress but I believe the situation is exactly the contrary, that Uk Hoover washers are based on a Monitor design. The story is a bit blurred but I have heard that when Charles Colston attended a Hoover conference circa 1936, he saw a design of washers he thought would appeal to the UK market - compact and relitavly cheap to manufacture. In a book about the architecture of the Perivale factory there are drawings for an extension to the factory to build washers, WW2 intervened and, eventually a different factory was built in South Wales, no doubt funded by grants from UK government to provide new jobs in an employment black spot

 

[vacbear58]

By the wasy, I hope you have fun with your new washer, it’s always fun to see something a bit different

 

[launderess]

Contradict away!

Truth will out, that's what I always say.

Suppose much would be learned by gleaning at patents. Tried looking up those listed on my Monitor washer and had very little success.

 

[launderess]

From Argentina...

https://articulo.mercadolibre.com.a...cking_id=85f5b597-3dbe-4956-befe-98a56910d584

https://articulo.mercadolibre.com.a...cking_id=145812cb-2f60-4a78-a048-e494f7f074e9